UConn freshman forward Liam McNeeley was one of 20 players named to the watch list for the Basketball Hall of Fame’s Julius Erving Award, which is given annually to the best small forward in college basketball.
The Top 10 recruit, one of coach Dan Hurley’s highest-ever, was one of the best shooters in his high school class and a McDonald’s All-American. He fills a significant need for the Huskies following the departure of four starters to the NBA last season, and will be counted on to have an impact similar to that of Stephon Castle, the first “burger boy” Hurley got to Storrs.
McNeeley was named the Big East Preseason Freshman of the Year at Big East Media Day earlier this month.
But his availability for the start of the season is still in question after he suffered a lower calf strain in practice before First Night. Hurley said at Big East Media Day – two weeks before the season-opener vs. Sacred Heart – that the injury looked like it would require a two-to-three week recovery period before McNeeley can return to action.
He was healthy to play in UConn’s charity exhibition game against Rhode Island on Oct. 14 and finished with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists in 24 minutes. Hurley later said McNeeley was hyperventilating as they stood next to each other during the national anthem.
UConn’s Liam McNeeley scores his first basket with UConn as URI’s Javonte Brown defends during the first half of an exhibition NCAA college basketball game, at…
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